Plan Band & Propagation Strategy
2 hoursReview solar indices and band openings for contest weekend targets.
Advanced2-4 weeks prep
Dx Contest Entry Guide
Complete guide for dx contest entry — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
contest operatorsDX chasersHF enthusiasts
Workflow
Model DX Link Budget
2 hoursEstimate required gain and power for weak-signal DX paths on each band.
Optimize Station Configuration
1 dayTune amplifiers, filters, and antenna switching for rapid band changes.
Operate Contest Period
24-48 hoursRun search-and-pounce or run frequency with logging software integration.
Review Score & Propagation Log
2 hoursCompare QSO rate by band and note openings for next contest.
Tools Used
- Link Budget CalculatorPrimary
Size power and antenna gain for target DX paths.
- Free Space Path LossPrimary
Estimate baseline path loss to distant stations.
- Antenna Gain CalculatorSupporting
Compare beam options for contest multiplier zones.
- Propagation DistanceSupporting
Predict usable band openings by distance and MUF.
- Filter Cutoff FrequencyReference
Set band-pass filters to reject adjacent-band QRM.
Checklist
0 / 7 completedLoading your checklist…
Preparation
Software
Station
Strategy
Operations
Redundancy
Post-Contest
Reference Materials
HF Contest Band Plan (Typical)Table
Common CW/SSB segments during major contests.
| Band | CW (kHz) | SSB (kHz) |
|---|---|---|
| 80 m | 3500–3800 | 3800–4000 |
| 40 m | 7000–7300 | 7300–7600 |
| 20 m | 14000–14350 | 14350–14800 |
FSPLFormula
Free-space path loss (dB) ≈ 32.44 + 20·log10(d_km) + 20·log10(f_MHz)
Contest EthicsStandard
Identify often, respect band plans, and never transmit out of band for multipliers.
Run Rate Before Multipliers
Steady QSO rate builds score; chase rare ones when rate slows.
Headphones Save Ears
Use limiter or lower AF gain — contest pileups are loud.
Know Your Limits
RF exposure accumulates during long CQ runs — rotate operators or reduce power.
Safety Notes
- Contest amplifiers generate significant RF exposure — calculate safe distances per FCC guidelines.
- Ensure antenna switching interlocks prevent hot-switching power amplifiers into open loads.